6  Research

Research in this lab is a collective effort rooted in curiosity, integrity, and mutual support. While each lab member is responsible for their own project, you are also expected to learn from—and contribute to—the knowledge and experience of those around you. We are all here to help each other grow as scientists. Our lab culture values mentorship, collaboration, and openness. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance when needed.

Everyone is busy, but taking time to help one another is part of how we work. That does not mean others will do your research or solve your problems for you, but they can help you think through a challenge, suggest resources, or share how they have navigated similar situations. We are stronger as a lab when we support one another’s success.

Importantly, you are not in competition with your fellow lab mates. We do not draw boundaries around ideas or contributions. We include each other as co-authors when it is scientifically appropriate to do so, and we value intellectual generosity over individual credit. Including others on your project does not diminish your accomplishments. Instead, it reflects the collaborative nature of good science because in this lab we help one another.

6.1 Ethics approval

Conducting ethical, rigorous, and transparent research is a core value of this lab. Before beginning any study involving human participants, you must receive approval from either the McMaster Research Ethics Board (MREB) or the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB). Most of our protocols will be reviewed by MREB; however, it is your responsibility to ensure you submit to the appropriate ethics board. Please consult the following document, MREB or HiREB to determine the appropriate ethics board.

You are responsible for obtaining ethics approval for your study, with guidance from me as your supervisor. The approval process can take multiple months so it is important to start early. In general, it can be advantageous to submit an initial application sooner, even if your study design is still evolving, rather than wait until every detail is finalized. You can always submit modifications later.

Once your study is approved, you are responsible for adhering to all institutional policies and procedures related to research conduct. This includes proper handling of participant recruitment, informed consent, data storage and security, and documentation of participant payments and associated forms. Failure to comply with these can have serious consequences.

If you are unsure about whether a task or activity requires ethics approval or how to follow specific institutional guidelines, ask me early and ask often. We are all accountable for maintaining high standards of research integrity.

6.2 Data management and sharing

In this lab, you will be expected to follow best practices for organizing, documenting, analyzing, and sharing your data and scripts. This is not only critical for transparency, integrity, and reproducibility, but also for your own efficiency and future success as a researcher.

You will learn many of these skills as you complete KINESIOL 736 (Scientific Computing for Reproducible Research) as part of your graduate coursework. This includes file organization, naming conventions, version control, code documentation, and open science workflows using tools like GitHub and the Open Science Framework (OSF). These platforms allow us to manage our projects collaboratively, keep a clear record of changes, and share our work publicly.

6.3 Research misconduct

This lab has a zero-tolerance policy for research misconduct, which includes (but is not limited to):

  • Plagiarism
  • Misrepresentation of authorship
  • Break of participant confidentiality
  • Failure to obtain or adhere to REB approval
  • Knowingly ignoring research policies or ethical standards
  • Fabrication or falsification of data

You are strongly encouraged to review the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research. Any instance of research misconduct will be treated with the utmost seriousness, and you will face severe consequences. Do not do it.

6.4 Responsible use of research funds

Research funds are to be used only for the direct costs of research. They may not be used for personal expenses or for any purpose unrelated to approved research activities. NSERC provides detailed guidance in their Use of Grant Funds document. This resource outlines which expenses are eligible and which are not. If you are ever unsure whether a purchase or reimbursement request is appropriate, please ask me before proceeding.

Misuse of research funds is a very serious offence. It violates both university and federal funding agency policies and will result in severe consequences. Do not do it.